How to Clean a Cuisinart Air Fryer in 5 Easy Steps

By this point, you probably know I love my air fryer. What I don’t love, though, is cleaning up! I use it so often though, I’ve mastered the ways to make the dirty job that much easier. Let’s talk about how to clean a Cuisinart air fryer so you can get back to the cooking (and eating)!

If you don’t have a Cuisinart, a lot of the same ideas will still apply. Alternatively, check out our guide on how to clean a Ninja air fryer for some more squeaky clean tips!

how to clean a cuisinart air fryer dinners done quick featured image

Is the Cuisinart Air Fryer Easy to Clean?

Yes, the Cuisinart air fryer is easy to clean. Their line of air fryer ovens have a removable crumb tray for dumping larger food out quickly. The cooking racks may be removed for convenient washing.

If you happen to get anything on the interior or exterior, you’ll be able to wipe it clean with a soft cloth once cooled.  All in all, the cleaning maintenance for a Cuisinart air fryer, like the popular Cuisinart TOA-60 air fryer oven, is easy!

Cuisinart TOA-60 Air Fryer Oven

How to Clean a Cuisinart Air Fryer: Step by Step

1. Unplug the air fryer and allow it to cool

I recommend leaving it for approximately 20-30 minutes after cooking so that everything is safe to handle. Generally, I let it sit while we eat our meal, then come back to clean up.

2. Remove the crumb tray and cooking racks or baskets

Pull all the removable parts out of your Cuisinart air fryer oven. Dispose of any loose debris in the crumb tray. If things are very dirty, go ahead and put the trays in some hot, soapy water to get things loosening up.

3. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the air fryer

Using a soft, non-abrasive cloth, wipe both the interior and exterior of the air fryer oven down. Use warm water and soap as needed to dislodge tougher debris.

Check that the heating coils are free of food as well, as this can lead to your air fryer smoking if not cleaned properly. I will take a toothbrush or toothpick to them as needed to get into the crevices.

4. Clean the racks, trays, and basket

Now that the crumb tray and cooking racks or baskets have had a chance to soak, you’ll be able to scrub them clean now. Use a cloth, sponge, or brush to remove stuck food.

Once washed and rinsed, either towel dry or allow the pieces to air dry completely before replacing them into the air fryer.

5. Reassemble the air fryer

Place all of the washed and dried components back into the Cuisinart air fryer oven and store until the next time you need it.

If you don’t allow everything to dry well, your air fryer may start tripping the breaker, so make sure to give it ample time!

Are Cuisinart Air Fryer Baskets Dishwasher Safe?

Cuisinart air fryer baskets are not dishwasher safe. This includes the cooking racks and crumb tray as well.

All removable interior components should be hand washed with hot, soapy water. Soaking them is fine as well for really stuck on messes.

Just make sure you completely rinse all the soap off well. Otherwise, your air fryer may smell (like soap in this case)!

How Do You Clean a Greasy Cuisinart Air Fryer?

I’ve tried a lot of different methods, but the best way I’ve found to clean a greasy Cuisinart air fryer, or any air fryer for that matter, is Dawn Powerwash.

I’m sure other similar brands of degreasing soap would work as well. The Powerwash is specifically designed to cut through grease. Here is how I use it:

  • Spray the soap on racks, trays, and baskets in the sink
  • Let it soak for anywhere between 1 and 15 minutes depending how dirty things are
  • Scrub with a synthetic brush thoroughly
  • Rinse with hot water
  • Repeat a second time if there’s still more stuck on, like baked-on grease

You can also apply it to the inside of the air fryer, but you’ll need to make sure to very thoroughly wipe it out so your future cooking doesn’t taste like soap.

I’ve tried all the other air fryer cleaning tricks with lemons, baking soda, vinegar, etc. Cooking it, soaking it, all the methods, and I still swear by the soap method above them all.

Can I Use Oven Cleaner on My Cuisinart Air Fryer?

While the Cuisinart air fryer is like a small oven, it’s still not recommended to use an oven cleaner on it. Oven cleaner is extremely abrasive and will begin to destroy the metal finish on your racks and the unit itself if used.

Not to mention, you don’t really want all the fumes and chemicals associated with the cleaner being circulated around your food in a small space.

Stick with soap and water, baking soda and vinegar, or a food-safe citrus degreaser of some kind.

How Often Should You Clean a Cuisinart Air Fryer?

How often you should clean a Cuisinart air fryer depends on what you cook in it. Anything that is greasy, such as meats, cheeses, or similar, should be cleaned after each use.

Spot clean or dump crumbs only for less messy items like bread or vegetables. You may even be able to do this once a week, depending on usage level.

Just remember – the more often you spot clean it, the less likely it is that you’ll need to do hardcore soaking and scrubbing. A little bit of frequent maintenance goes a long way to prevent built up grease and future pain!

In Conclusion

It’s easy to clean a Cuisinart air fryer, which is great since you’ll want to use it all the time. It only takes a few minutes after dinner to make it sparkling clean for the next use.

Thanks to a little soap, water, and sometimes elbow grease, it’ll be ready to cook your next meal. Check out our best Cuisinart air fryer recipes for some recommendations!

I also compiled a list of the best Cuisinart air fryer chicken recipes in case you already know what protein you’re hungry for!

Katie Vine